USC women's tennis has added a talented newcomer heading to Troy next season, with out-of-state star Ellie Yates signed in and ready to join the Women of Troy in 2012. The senior our of Mississippi has signed her letter of intent to come to USC as a freshman for the 2012-13 season, head coach Richard Gallien has announced.

"Ellie Yates is an extremely talented young lady," Gallien said. "Not only is she among the top-10 recruits in the nation, she also holds her school's track record for the 100-meter dash. I have no doubt that she will make an immediate impact in our program. She is a ferocious competitor."

Yates will come to USC from Jackson Academy in Mississippi, where her all-around athleticism helped her high school squad win the North State championship at the same time that she claimed the singles title. She recently won the USTA Regional Tournament segment in BIrmingham and is considered a blue chip recruit as the No. 11 recruit in the nation according to tennisrecruiting.net.

"Ellie comes from a great family," Gallien said. "And tennis-wise, she is a lefty with a huge serve and a world-class backhand."